Specialist Recovery Trainer
James Sparrow delivers all in-house and external training at Sparrow Recovery. As part of the Specialist Recoveries team, he combines hands-on operational experience with technical expertise - often getting directly involved in maintenance and overhauls of the recovery fleet.
Recovery Experience
• Active in the recovery industry with almost 5 decades of experience across all aspects of vehicle and non-vehicle recovery.
• Experienced in managing fatal and life-altering incident recoveries, maintaining professionalism and composure under pressure.
• Served as an advisor during a major train crash incident, supporting emergency services and investigation teams.
• Conducted specialist recoveries for multiple UK police forces, working on complex and high-profile cases.
• Fully trained and experienced in the preservation of evidence at collision and crime scenes.
• Qualified Incident Manager, with extensive expertise in planning and executing logistical movements within agreed ETAs.
• Has successfully recovered plant, machinery, commercial vehicles, cranes, light vehicles, and motorcycles.
• James's recovery expertise was recognised by police and featured on Channel 5 in a nationally broadcast documentary.
Notable Recoveries
• Life-saving incident: Lifted a tractor unit off a trapped driver, directly contributing to saving the individual's life.
• Marine recovery: Recovered a unit and trailer loaded with cheese from a dock, demonstrating marine pollutant knowledge - earning an award from the ABI for his work.
• Heavy recovery: Managed the recovery of an articulated vehicle carrying a 25-tonne excavator that had crashed into a canal.
Training and Accreditation
• Became the youngest IVR trainer at just 24 years old and has remained a certified IVR trainer for over 30 years.
• Fellow of the Institute of Vehicle Recovery (IVR) and an active member of the National Council.
• Category 2 external trainer, delivering nationally recognised recovery and safety training.
• Has trained recovery professionals from numerous companies, local authorities, and police forces across the UK.
